General Ironbeak's flock of crows, magpies, rooks and ravens came from the Northlands. After the birds flew south to Mossflower Woods, Quickbill discovered Redwall Abbey. Ironbeak was bent upon defeating the Redwallers and taking the "redstone house" for himself, even though Mangiz warned him against it, speaking of an unnamed mouse in armor. Ironbeak ignored Mangiz. After several battles and parlays, the Redwallers, using a combination of wits, bravery and good planning, defeated the intruding fowl.